The Hemp Connection + tips

Thursday morning Quarterback

Tonight was my third attempt at watching"The Biggest Loser". I had to stop watching the first two episodes because my level of indignation was getting uncomfortable. The emphasis on the number of pounds, the badgering of the participants in the name of"motivation", the tone of the conversations was more than I cared to put myself through (I don't know how the contestants put up with it!)…so I pressed TIVO and vowed to watch it in more tolerable increments. I never acquired the level of detachment I needed to return to the task.

Upon flipping the channels tonight I accidentally ran across the weigh-in segment of the program. Since there were only 15 minutes left (and I had mail to read to distract me) I managed to watch the ending.

I, again, heard the expected emphasis on numbers (this was, after all, the WEIGH-in portion) and statements such as"8 (pounds) just isn't enough — I wish it were 9" — distressing to say the least to an eating disorder professional! But then, after the Orange Team made the heartbreaking decision for the husband to leave what I heard surprised me!

The gentleman who was leaving used such words as"health","acknowledged and realized.", and that he had learned to be"mindful" and kept a food journal! He also expressed the notion that he was a"WINNER"!! Imagine that?!? He was a winner because he had recognized and changed behaviors! He was a winner because he sought a healthier lifestyle for himself and his family!! And he had not lost one pound this past week! Halleluiah! It really is about more than numbers on a scale!!

This prompted me to take a second look at the online support offered through the biggestloserclub.com — although the site opens showing Bernie who lost 130 pounds and 45.94% of body weight with the implication that you, too, can have"stunning results like this" — it appears to have much to offer.

The portions of the website that I could access without being a member discussed things like flexibility, fad diets, not eliminating certain foods or food groups, and the importance of activity. It provides shopping lists and menus that incorporate"real" food, not all powders and shakes (nothing against powders and shakes — they have their place in certain situations). It suggests not focusing so much on weight and weighing yourself no more than once per week. It promises you will not feel humiliated or miserable and offers support through contact with other members.

So, I am going to sleep with a smile on my face! I am so pleasantly surprised and am now determined not to pre-judge programs based on their TV appearance. I may even sign up for a trial membership just to learn more — if I do, you can be sure I will report back to you!

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Thursday morning Quarterback + tips